Carib

*Note: Ca

Miam

De

bbean Ame

Instructio

aribbean co

mi-Dade Co

epartment

erican Heri

onal Resou

ountries ar

ounty Pub

of Social S

itage Mont

urces

re shown i

lic School

Sciences

th

n RED.

s

 

 

 

THE S

Divisio

SCHOOL B

Ms.Dr. L

Dr.

Office

on of Acade

D

OARD OF

Perla Tabawrence SDorothy B

Ms. SuMr. Car

Dr. WilberDr. Ma

Dr. MMs. Raqu

Ms. K

Stud

AlbertoSuperinte

Ms. MaChief Ac

e of Academ

Dr. MarAssistant

emics, Acco

Mr. RobeExecu

Department

MIAMI-DA

ares HantmS. FeldmanBendross-Msie V. Cast

rlos L. Curbrt “Tee” Hoartin S. KaMarta Péreuel A. Rega

Krisna Mad

dent Adviso

o M. Carvaendent of Sc

arie Izquiercademic Ofmics and Tr

ia P. de Art Superinte

ountability, a

ert C. Brazoutive Directt of Social S

ADE COUNT

man, Chairn, Vice-ChaMindingalltillo belo

olloway arp ez alado

dy

or

alho chools

rdo fficer ransformatio

rmas ndent and School

ofsky tor Sciences

TY, FLORI

r air

on

l Improvem

DA

ment

Table of Contents

History of National Caribbean Heritage Month

Presidential Proclamation from 2013

Instructional Resources from the Internet

Suggested Activities

Elementary School Activities

Middle School Activities

Senior High School Activities

 

 

 

 

History of Caribbean-American Heritage Month National Caribbean-American Heritage Month

Marks Ninth Anniversary in 2014

In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. On February 14, 2006, the resolution similarly passed the Senate, culminating a two-year, bipartisan and bicameral effort. Since the declaration, the White House has issued an annual proclamation recognizing June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This year marks the ninth anniversary of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. The campaign to designate June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month was spearheaded by Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies. Through the commemoration of this month, we hope to ensure that America is reminded that its greatness lies in its diversity, with Caribbean immigrants from founding father Alexander Hamilton, to journalist Malcolm Gladwell, who have shaped the American dream.

Source: http://www.caribbeanamericanmonth.org/

Presidential Proclamation -- National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2013

NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2013

(Please note: as of the writing and compilation of this instructional resource packet, the 2014 proclamation by President Obama had not yet been releaased.)

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

For centuries, the United States and nations in the Caribbean have grown alongside each other as partners in progress. Separated by sea but united by a yearning for independence, our countries won the right to chart their own destinies after generations of colonial rule. Time and again, we have led the way to a brighter future together -- from lifting the stains of slavery and segregation to widening the circle of opportunity for our sons and daughters.

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate those enduring achievements. It is also a chance to recognize men and women who trace their roots to the Caribbean. Through every chapter of our Nation's history, Caribbean Americans have made our country stronger -- reshaping our politics and reigniting the arts, spurring our movements and answering the call to serve. Caribbean traditions have enriched our own, and woven new threads into our cultural fabric. Again and again, Caribbean immigrants and their descendants have reaffirmed America's promise as a land of opportunity -- a place where no matter who you are or where you come from, you can make it if you try.

Together, as a Nation of immigrants, we will keep writing that story. And alongside our partners throughout the Caribbean, we will keep working to achieve inclusive economic growth, access to clean and affordable energy, enhanced security, and lasting opportunity for all our people. As we honor Caribbean Americans this month, let us strengthen the ties that bind us as members of the Pan American community, and let us resolve to carry them forward in the years ahead.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2013 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to celebrate the history and culture of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

Source:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the‐press‐office/2013/05/31/presidential‐proclamation‐national‐caribbean‐american‐heritage‐month‐201  

Useful Internet Resources Related to Caribbean Studies and  

Caribbean American Heritage Month 

 

• World Atlas:  Explore maps, fast facts, flags, geographic statistics, famous natives, timelines,  and other pertinent information related to the Caribbean:  http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/carib.htm 

 

• Caribbean Country Maps:  http://maps.caribseek.com/    

• Official Site of National Caribbean American Heritage Month http://www.caribbeanamericanmonth.org/    

• Institute of Caribbean Studies:  http://www.icsdc.org/    

• Caribbean Heritage Awards:  http://www.caribbeanheritageawards.org/    

• Smithsonian Folkways:  Explore the rich music traditions of the Caribbean through the Smithsonian’s interactive online magazine, Folkways:  http://www.folkways.si.edu/search/genre/caribbean  

 

• History of the Caribbean from Princeton University:  https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/History_of_the_Caribbean.html     

• History of the Caribbean for Kids:  http://www.mrdowling.com/710caribbean.html  

 

 

 

 

Elementary School Activities

• Have the students access the following outline map of the Caribbean and have them label it and color it. http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/caribb/special/caribout.htm

• Have students read the following article from the History Channel about pirate strongholds. Have them plot on the map where these strongholds were located and ask the students what about the geography of these strongholds were strategic. http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/6-famous-pirate-strongholds

• Have students do Internet research about famous Caribbean Americans and prepare an oral report to present to class accordingly.

Middle School Activities

• Have students access travel information about the Caribbean from the Lonely Planet’s website: http://www.lonelyplanet.com. Have them select a Caribbean nation and develop a travel brochure about points of interest accordingly. Have students write a journal entry imagining what a trip would be like traveling to their selected Caribbean nation.

• Have students interview a neighbor or family friend from a Caribbean island nation about growing up in that nation. The student should ask questions related to what life was like growing up there, why they immigrated to the United States, etc. Have students prepare an oral report with their findings.

• Have students do Internet research about famous Caribbean Americans and prepare an oral report to present to class accordingly.

Senior High School Activities

• Have students access the U.S. Department of State “Learn about Your Destination” website: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html. This website provides up-to-date travel information for U.S. residents/citizens traveling to other countries. Search for information about a Caribbean nation and prepare a multi-media presentation about the information the State Department has posted on their website. Now, compare that information with facts and suggestions found on the Lonely Planet’s website: http://www.lonelyplanet.com. Are their stark differences. Have students compare and contrast these two sources of information accordingly.

• Have students conduct a Facebook search among their Facebook friends asking for suggestions regarding which Caribbean nation they should visit. Have students design a promotional multimedia presentation about the country that their Facebook friends suggested to visit and share the information with the class.

• Have students do Internet research about famous Caribbean Americans and prepare an oral report to present to class accordingly.

 

 

 

 

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Federal and State Laws

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and educational programs/activities and strives affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for all as required by:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended - prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, or national origin.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 - prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) as amended - prohibits discrimination on the basis of age with respect to individuals who are at least 40.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 as amended - prohibits gender discrimination in payment of wages to women and men performing substantially equal work in the same establishment.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - prohibits discrimination against the disabled.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) - prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public service, public accommodations and telecommunications.

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) - requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to "eligible" employees for certain family and medical reasons.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 - prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

Florida Educational Equity Act (FEEA) - prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, national origin, marital status, or handicap against a student or employee.

Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 - secures for all individuals within the state freedom from discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.

Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) - Prohibits discrimination against employees or applicants because of genetic information.

Veterans are provided re-employment rights in accordance with P.L. 93-508 (Federal Law) and Section 295.07 (Florida Statutes), which stipulate categorical preferences for employment.

In Addition: School Board Policies 1362, 3362, 4362, and 5517 - Prohibit harassment and/or discrimination against students, employees, or applicants on the basis of sex, race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identification, social and family background, linguistic preference, pregnancy, and any other legally prohibited basis. Retaliation for engaging in a protected activity is also prohibited.

Rev. (05-12)